Rocchi resigns from AIA, will continue as DAZN pundit

Former Serie A and Serie B referee chief Gianluca Rocchi has resigned from the Italian Referees Association (AIA). Citing GianlucaDiMarzio.com, which relied on Calvar.it, the resignation letter was submitted on Saturday.

Rocchi's role as a regular pundit on DAZN is incompatible with the association's rules, which strictly limit public comment by active referees. Previously, Rocchi had to obtain separate permission from the association for each television appearance. Earlier this month he appeared on screen for the first time, analysing referee decisions on DAZN's Sunday evening programme. The former referee chose to leave the association rather than remain in it while continuing this work.

The decision came shortly after Rocchi was cleared of an investigation that could have shaken Italian football. The Milan prosecutor's office had opened a case against Rocchi on suspicion of aiding sporting fraud, linked to allegations of interference in the VAR room in Lissone. Rocchi stepped away from his position voluntarily while the process was ongoing.

However, the criminal investigation has been closed. On 1 October, the FIGC federal prosecutor also ended the sporting case with the support of the CONI chief sports prosecutor. According to the Italian press, no evidence was found of any direct contact between the former referee and club officials, including by telephone.